Head of School Welcome

On July 1, 2018, I was honored to become the sixth head of The Fenn School’s rich and storied history. I inherited the leadership of a school that is in remarkable shape, culturally and fiscally, and I stand tall on the shoulders of my predecessors, of our dedicated Board of Trustees, of our talented faculty and staff, and of scores of loyal current and past students and families who have collectively shaped our deeply loved and revered community. 

I first visited Fenn almost three decades ago as a candidate for a position teaching Latin in our Middle and Upper Schools, serving as an advisor for eighth grade students, and coaching three sports. I was struck immediately by the clarity of Fenn's mission and the effective application of its philosophy as it prepared boys for the road ahead. Dedicated faculty and staff and bright boys of sound character were at the heart of the experience and brought the School to full bloom for me that day.

Fenn continues to thrive today. The School is fully enrolled with boys of tremendous promise, our caring faculty and staff believe in the importance of educating boys in their elementary and middle school years, our program is robust in each dimension, we have made impressive strides with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and in growing the socioeconomic and racial diversity of our student body, and our beautiful Monument Street campus in historic Concord is remarkably well situated to serve our boys.

Accompanying the strength of Fenn's current position must be a mindfulness toward enhancement and evolution. Roger Fenn founded a school in 1929 on the premise of using progressive yet proven methods of instruction and operation. Previous Heads of School at Fenn have carried Roger's ideology forward, and I am committed to doing the same. Guided by the goals of Fenn’s most recent Strategic and Long-Range Plan, I strive to balance innovation with tradition while carefully protecting the unique culture of Fenn. 
 

Every Fenn boy is known well by his teachers and the community—known for his unique personality, talents, passions, learning styles, and aspirations. Teachers are mentors, and also friends, who are deeply committed to supporting each boy along his personal educational journey. 
-Derek Boonisar, Head of School

This unique culture offers an educational program of challenging academics taught in small classes, character education focused on school values of honesty, respect, empathy, and courage, a broad athletic program, rich and deep offerings in the performing and studio arts, formal and informal leadership development, an emphasis on speaking before others, and community service and service learning. Every Fenn boy is known well by his teachers and the community—known for his unique personality, talents, passions, learning styles, and aspirations. Teachers are mentors, and also friends, who are deeply committed to supporting each boy along his personal educational journey. And all the while, Fenn “brothers” also cheer him on, as they all embrace being part of a community that strives to deliver a transformative educational experience to every boy, every day.

I thank you for considering Fenn as the next stop on your son’s journey toward adulthood and hope to meet you and your son as you determine where he will best thrive in his next educational chapter. 

Sincerely,

Derek R. Boonisar